Orpen Rest Camp

I have always thought of Orpen camp as a last resort, but our stay here proved me very wrong. This small camp is a real gem, and I will stay over for more than one night next time. The reception, café and cleaning staff are friendly and helpful. All units are arranged in a semicircle with bush views. Units 1 to 8 are closer to the shop and pool. Unit 9 is in the middle and has a nice view of the water hole. Everything is within walking distance. The units are fairly spacious and well-planned. The verandah is especially spacious, with low walls to provide extra seating and a place to park braai supplies and snacks. Screen doors ensure bugs don't get in. The usb plug in the kitchen was convenient. An unexpected highlight was the waterhole view, which is also well-lit at night. A dry season visit almost guarantees good sightings from your verandah. A row of benches on the perimeter fence provides a pleasant retreat. I found the camp to be quiet and peaceful. Activities include game drives and morning walks.

Orpen is a small, quiet camp with a shop but no restaurant, so you’ll need to self-cater — though a braai under the stars makes it worthwhile. The refurbished units are comfortable, with terraces overlooking a waterhole where elephants often come to drink.||The downsides are that security feels weaker than other camps and the drives/rangers are below standard. Overall, a pleasant stay, but I’d choose another camp if I had the option.

Orpen Camp is a peaceful camp located at Kruger National Park. It’s perfect for travelers who want easy access to wildlife. Game viewing starts right at the gate! There's also a small shop for convenience. The waterhole near the camp fence often attracts animals, especially in the evenings, making room for an unforgettable experience.

Wow!! The staff at Orpen Gate Reception and shop are amazing. Wendy went above and beyond to accommodate us. She is obviously passionate about her job. Thanks Wendy and the staff at the shop. You guys ROCK

Did not stay in Orpen. We visited the shop. Service was good but the camp itself is in a shocking condition. Gardens not maintained, camp looks in general shabby and just plain unkept. So sad to see that.

As a day visitor, I can't comment on the accommodation, but I know they don't have camping options. However, the nearby Maroela Rest Camp caters to campers. Orpen itself is well-maintained, has a nice well-stocked shop, and the staff I interacted with were friendly. Its well-situated location right next to the Orpen Gate makes it a convenient base to start your Kruger National Park journey from, and it is relatively close to Hoedspruit, the closest major town, which offers various amenities and services. Overall, my visit to Orpen was pleasant.

Lovely Kruger spot. The 5 stars are in the context of the Kruger.

This is a fairly small SANS Park rest camp just inside the Orpen Gate at the western side of Kruger National Park (KNP) near Acornhoek. There are a few rondavel style huts here and a small camping area, along with pool and waterhole for animals to come up and drink. ||The Rest Camp has toilets, petrol station as well as a small shop as well as attached coffee shop with a few outdoor seats. We stopped here on our way of KNP recently for toilet break and coffee. Moccacino which tasted very sweet and generally ok. On the whole. No proper restaurant here. Orpen Rest Camp is similar to what you find at Crocodile Bridge, a convenient stopping point for going into/out of the Park and a smaller quieter place to base compared to Skakusa, Satara and Lower Sabie River Rest Camps.